Posted by Sam Patrick
on March 24, 2025
Domestic violence (DV) in the UK remains a harrowing reality, with statistics revealing the devastating extent of abuse faced by women every single day. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), approximately 1.7 million women experience domestic abuse each year, and on average, two women a week are killed by a current or former partner. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent real lives, real pain, and real danger.
Yet, whenever discussions arise about violence against women, there is an inevitable backlash. Men rush to declare "Not all men", as though the mere acknowledgement of male violence is a personal attack on them. The truth is, while not every man is an abuser, enough men commit these acts to make it a systemic issue. And when men prioritise their own discomfort over the lived experiences of women, they become part of the problem.
At Dope Soul Village, we don’t have time for empty arguments that derail real conversations about women’s safety. Instead, we focus on action—building a village of support through feminist apparel, advocacy, and real-world help for women in need.
The Reality of Domestic Violence in the UK
The UK has a serious domestic abuse problem. Charities such as Refuge and Women's Aid report a sharp increase in calls for help, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns, which trapped many women with their abusers. The police receive a domestic abuse call every 30 seconds, yet conviction rates remain shockingly low. Survivors are often disbelieved, gaslit, and left to navigate a system that favours their abusers.
Worse still, institutions designed to protect women frequently fail them. The justice system is slow, support services are underfunded, and the stigma surrounding domestic abuse forces many women into silence. Meanwhile, rather than working to address these failures, some men focus on distancing themselves from the conversation with defensive statements like "not all men".
This response is both frustrating and harmful. Instead of acknowledging the reality that too many men do abuse, harass, and kill women, these deflections shift the focus away from necessary change.
Dope Soul Village: Building a Village with Feminist Apparel
In the face of all this, Dope Soul Village was created as a response to the silence and complicity of institutions that allow abuse to thrive. It’s more than just a brand—it’s a movement, a community, and a support system for women. By building a village with feminist apparel, we aim to create a space where women are empowered, heard, and supported.
Our feminist fashion UK line isn’t just about making a statement—it’s about standing in solidarity. When you wear one of our feminist hoodies UK, you’re showing the world that you support women, that you reject the systems that enable abuse, and that you’re part of something bigger.
Fashion has always been a powerful tool for activism, and through building a village with feminist apparel, we’re making it clear that feminism is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. Every purchase helps fund our initiatives, from direct support for survivors to raising awareness about the issues that impact women every day.
Why Feminist Fashion Matters
Wearing feminist fashion UK designs isn’t just about style—it’s about visibility. When you walk down the street in one of our feminist hoodies UK, you’re sparking conversations, challenging outdated views, and reminding people that women’s rights are non-negotiable.
By building a village with feminist apparel, we’re creating a community of women (and allies) who refuse to be silenced. Whether it’s our sustainably made feminist hoodies UK or our other feminist fashion UK items, every piece carries a message of resistance and empowerment.
Beyond Fashion: Real Help for Women
While feminist fashion UK is at the heart of what we do, Dope Soul Village goes beyond clothing. We understand that real change requires action, which is why we:
- Donate a portion of profits to organisations that support women escaping domestic abuse.
- Provide legal resources to help women navigate the justice system.
- Offer community support for women rebuilding their lives after abuse.
Through building a village with feminist apparel, we’re creating a network of solidarity, where no woman has to feel alone in her struggle.
Join the Movement
The statistics on domestic violence in the UK are horrifying, but they don’t have to define the future. We have the power to demand better—for ourselves, for our daughters, and for every woman who has been let down by the system.
At Dope Soul Village, we believe in action, empowerment, and change. By building a village with feminist apparel, we’re making it clear that we stand against violence, misogyny, and systemic injustice.
So, if you’re tired of the excuses, the gaslighting, and the endless cycle of "not all men", join us. Wear your feminist hoodies UK with pride, support women, and be part of the movement that refuses to stay silent.
Because while it may not be all men, it is far too many—and we are done waiting for change.
